Some people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Twenty percent of those infected develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. It is estimated that one in 150 people who are infected develop severe disease with headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Symptoms may last a few days or several weeks.

Use insect repellent containing DEET. Try to stay indoors in the early morning and evening when mosquito activity is highest. Help to reduce the number of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water in flower pots, pet water dishes, bird baths, buckets, barrels, and cans.

Use tweezers to remove ticks. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward. Do not twist or jerk the tick, which could leave the head embedded. Don’t try to burn it out or smother it with Vaseline. After removing the tick, disinfect the area and wash your hands.